Cyanotype Workshop: Step-by-Step Guide

Materials You Will Need

• Watercolor paper is pretty basic. It does have to be a good weight. So it does not come apart in the water. Around 140lb, 350gsm.
• Chemicals: Solution B (ferric ammonium citrate) & Solution A (potassium ferricyanide)
• UV light source (or sunlight)
• Glass or acrylic sheet
• Brushes, droppers, or foam applicators
• Trays or shallow containers for rinsing
• Gloves and apron
• Paper towels or absorbent cloth
• Objects, leaves, or negatives for your design

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Prepare Your Workspace

Cover your table with protective paper and wear gloves and an apron. Cyanotype chemicals can stain surfaces and skin.

2

Mix the Chemicals

In a dimly lit room, combine equal parts of Solution A and Solution B to make your working solution. Keep it in an opaque container to avoid light exposure. I use a ratio of 100g to 400ml. (1g to 4ml) for Ferric Ammonium citrate. and 40g to 400ml (1g to 10ml). for Potassium ferricyanide. You can mix with that ratio for what you need. Or get pre-mixed Solution A and B. Jaquard is a good brand.

3

Cut Your Paper

Trim your watercolor paper to the size you want.

4

Coat the Paper

Use a brush or foam applicator to evenly coat the paper with the chemical solution. Work quickly to avoid streaks.

5

Dry the Paper

Let the coated paper dry in a dark, dust-free area for 15–30 minutes, depending on humidity.

6

Prepare Objects or Negatives

Select leaves, flowers, or photographic negatives for your design.

7

Position the Paper

Lay the dried, coated paper flat on your workspace.

8

Arrange Your Design

Place your objects or negatives on the coated paper carefully.

9

Cover with Glass or Acrylic

Place a clear sheet over your objects to keep them flat during exposure.

10

Expose to UV Light

Expose your setup to UV light for 5–15 minutes, depending on intensity.

11

Observe the Change

The areas exposed to light will darken to blue, while covered areas remain lighter. This reveals your design.

12

Remove the Cover

Carefully lift the glass or acrylic sheet from your print, exposing the objects.

13

Lift Objects

Gently remove the leaves, flowers, or negatives from the coated paper.

14

Rinse the Print

Rinse the paper in cool water until the water runs clear. The blue color will intensify as it washes.

15

First Drying

Lay the print flat on paper towels to remove excess water. Avoid touching the surface.

16

Optional: Gentle Blotting

Lightly blot the surface with a cloth if necessary, being careful not to smudge the print.

17

Final Wash

Rinse the print in clean water for 1–2 minutes for a final wash.

18

Dry Completely

Hang or lay flat to dry completely in a dark, ventilated area. Avoid direct light until fully dry.

19

Evaluate Your Print

Check the cyanotype for detail and contrast. Photograph or scan it to keep a digital record.

20

Display Your Work

Frame your cyanotype or mount it on a board. Enjoy the rich, Prussian blue and share your creation with friends and family!

Tips for Participants

This page will remain available after the workshop so you can revisit these steps, experiment with new objects, and refine your cyanotype techniques. For convenience, you can also download a PDF version of this guide to keep on hand while working.

Remember to take photos of your cyanotypes to track your progress and share your creations with others!